By Sophia Afolabi
In a sweeping move to restore security and accountability, the Abia State Government has launched a full-scale offensive against criminal activities, cultism, and drug abuse, while also beginning long-overdue payments to sacked staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
The developments were unveiled during a media briefing held at the Government House, Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, told journalists that security agencies across the state have been mandated to intensify their crackdown on rising criminal and cult-related incidents. “Governor Otti is committed to restoring law and order. Abia must remain safe for every law-abiding citizen,” Kanu declared.
In a move to redress past injustices, the government has commenced payment of salaries owed to 249 disengaged staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, who were let go between 2018 and 2022. “This is yet another promise kept by Dr. Alex Otti. These debts were inherited, but we are paying them,” Kanu affirmed.
On education infrastructure, the commissioner reported steady progress in renovation projects at the Abia State College of Education Technical (ASCETA), Arochukwu, including upgrades to the library, student hostels, auditorium, and vocational education blocks.
In a heartwarming moment, Kanu announced that Governor Otti earlier received Miss Grace John Nkpa, a 15-year-old Abia student who won the prestigious TechGirls 2025 competition and will represent Nigeria in the United States. The governor gifted her $5,000 in support of her trip.
“Grace’s achievement is a reflection of the rising standard of education in Abia,” said the commissioner.
Other highlights from the week’s announcements include the upcoming launch of the Abia Security Trust Fund and the groundbreaking of the Abia State Medical City, both scheduled for Thursday, July 10. The government has also begun enrolling local government workers into the state’s health insurance scheme, with 94,442 people already registered since its July 1 rollout.
In a further push to strengthen healthcare delivery, the commissioner for information noted that the Abia State Civil Service Commission has opened applications for a new health workforce recruitment drive.
